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Return of US forces a boost for the Philippines

Local officials believe the return of United States forces to Subic Bay, in the Philippines, will be a boost for local and regional security.

Twenty years after the Philippine Senate ordered the huge naval base to close, Subic Bay will be hosting American ships, marines and aircraft on a semi-permanent basis.

There are, though, no plans to reopen any bases - which would violate Philippine law.

There has been vocal opposition from some critics who say the return of the troops will also mean a return of sexual exploitation of under-age Filipinos.

But the mayor of Olongapo City, James Gordon Junior, has welcomed the move, saying the presence of US troops will also boost the economy.

"The US needs a window here in South-East Asia and it is the right time for the Philippines to welcome [them] because after 20 years, there's been a lull in the security of the Region," Mr Gordon told Radio Australia's Connect Asia program.

"Twenty years ago, our community here didn't want the Philippine Senate to reject the treaty. We wanted the treaty to move on because we were not ready to assume all these responsibilities, especially [as] our Philippine military does not have the capability even ... now to secure our nation."

Mr Gordon says it's the right time to host the US military because the Philippines need allies with democratic ideals, like the United States and even Australia and New Zealand.

The prominent child protection campaigner, Father Shay Cullen, has been a vocal opponent of the troops returning, saying it will mean a return to the sexual exploitation of underage Filipinos. He says 90 percent of the sex bars in Olongapo were closed after US forces left in 1992.

But Mayor Gordon says the issue is enforcement: "Any big factory that has a lot of people, that pays a lot of salaries, I think it is not only for the good but also for the bad. So I guess it's a matter for the City Goverment, it's a matter of enforcement, if there are criminals coming into the city."

"We've experienced the US base here for many years and we have survived. And I don't see the problem here. We are experienced in handling the forces, especially with the American Navy."